It’s finally happened: BMW has given the M2 all-wheel drive (AWD). Ten years after the debut of the original F87-generation M2, the compact performance coupe is no longer limited to rear-wheel drive (RWD), with the new M2 with M xDrive becoming the first AWD variant in the model’s history.
While the regular 2 Series (G42) has long been available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the setup fitted to the new M2 is quite different. Instead of the standard xDrive system, the M2 gets BMW’s M xDrive system.
In a regular xDrive-equipped 2 Series, the drivetrain remains predominantly RWD (rear-wheel biased), with power sent to the front axle when the system senses the rear wheels losing traction. The distribution of torque is managed automatically by the system.
The M xDrive system, on the other hand, allows drivers to choose between multiple drivetrain modes, including a rear-wheel-drive-only setting. Here, DSC is completely off, which allows for the signature M drifting experience (full tail whipping action if you haven’t already known). In the regular 2 Series, AWD cannot be switched off with power fully determined by the system
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The M xDrive system in the M2 also features Active M Differential, including M-specific traction control and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This adapts the car’s response depending in the situation for optimal stability and traction – focused on delivering the best track times.
Powering the new BMW M2 xDrive is the familiar S58 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine found across several of BMW M’s high-performance models. In the M2, the engine continues to produce 480 hp and 600 Nm of torque, unchanged from the rear-wheel-drive version.
With power now sent to all four wheels, the 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in just 3.7 seconds — 0.3 seconds quicker than its rear-wheel-drive counterpart. The 0-200 km/h run is also marginally improved, taking 12.8 seconds, or 0.1 seconds less than before. Top speed remains unchanged at 250 km/h, although opting for the M Driver’s Package raises the limiter to 285 km/h.
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Interestingly, the new BMW M2 with M xDrive debuts the new BMW M Ignite technology — a new pre-chamber combustion process patented by BMW. This new technology is transferred from its racing cars, with the company stating that it will be available in all straight-six engines from BMW M as of mid-2026.
The new combustion process significantly reduces fuel consumption under high loads while reducing emissions to meet the Euro 7 emissions standards. Not only allowing for drivers to enjoy the car for longer on track, but it also allows BMW M to keep making M cars with its signature six-cylinder heart.
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